The fabric of football

Thierry Gouegnon/Twenty Ten

A feature from the Soccer World Cup 2010: Ivory Coast

Location: Abidjan, Ivory Coast

In order for a football player to look the part, someone, somewhere made his kit. In the commercial district of Abidjan, a small workshop can be found where men and women work hard to produce football shirts that are individually stitched, and then printed by professional calligraphers.

First, the material is chosen and the pattern cut to specific measurements. Next, a sewing machine is used to put it all together, before it can be given to the calligrapher. Using a tailor-made stencil, he prints the football shirt with a number or logo, and then sets it outside to dry. Later, the finished shirt is checked and sent out to be sold.

With the 2010 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, the owners of these small workshops hope that demand will increase for their product so they can clothe the soccer-loving locals in style.